Stripe vs Wise — Pricing, Fees & B2B Features Compared (2026)
Stripe processes customer-facing payments — card transactions, subscriptions, and online checkout. Wise moves money between businesses and across borders at transparent mid-market rates. They're not direct competitors. Stripe is for receiving payments; Wise is for sending them. If you're paying international suppliers, Wise is cheaper and faster than Stripe's payouts. If you're collecting revenue from customers worldwide, Stripe handles that and Wise doesn't.
Stripe is for accepting payments; Wise is for sending and holding multi-currency.
Before we show you a single number, know this: we are regulated, audited, and transparent. Our pricing is published. Our client funds are segregated. These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
These aren't marketing claims — they're regulatory requirements we meet daily.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Stripe | Wise | Unicorn Currencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currencies | 135+ | 40+ | 35+ |
| FX / Fees | Check provider for current pricing | Mid-market rate + 0.33–0.57% fee | Up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks |
| Monthly fee | Pay per transaction | $0 (one-time setup fee may apply) | No monthly fee |
| Settlement | Rolling payouts | 1–2 business days | Same-Day |
| Local accounts | Via Stripe infrastructure | 9 currencies | with a local US bank account |
| Regulation | Licensed globally | FCA authorised, FinCEN registered | FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered |
| Best for | Online businesses accepting global payments | Freelancers and SMEs wanting transparent mid-market rates | B2B import/export, £1M++ annually |
Verdict
Stripe is for accepting payments; Wise is for sending and holding multi-currency.
Frequently asked questions
Which is best for import/export with £1M+ annual FX?
For businesses processing significant FX volumes, specialist B2B platforms like Unicorn Currencies often provide better rates and more relevant features than consumer-oriented platforms. Unicorn Currencies offers dedicated dealing support, treasury tools for FX exposure tracking, and local bank accounts in 5 regions — features that general-purpose platforms typically don't provide.
Which platform is best for businesses processing £1M+ in annual FX?
For businesses processing significant FX volumes, specialist B2B platforms like Unicorn Currencies often provide better rates and more relevant features. Unicorn Currencies offers dedicated dealing support, treasury tools for FX exposure tracking, and a local account with a local US bank account — features that general-purpose platforms typically don't provide.
Can I get better FX rates than my bank without switching to a consumer platform?
Yes. Specialist B2B FX providers like Unicorn Currencies offer institutional-grade rates — typically up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks — while providing the compliance, security, and dedicated support that banks offer. Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for treasury teams managing cross-border supplier payments.
Looking for a B2B alternative to both?
Unicorn Currencies is purpose-built for importers and exporters. Get a local account with a local US bank account, same-day settlement in 35+ currencies, and rates up to 70% cheaper vs traditional US banks.
FINTRAC registered · Bank of Canada RPAA registered.